How to Dress Like an Individual at a School With a Dress Code

Co-authored by Jordan Stolch

Last Updated: September 8, 2022 References

School dress codes and uniform requirements may seem like such a hassle to deal with – making everyone out to be just another carbon copy of the next person. But there are plenty of ways to spice up your school outfits and express yourself while still adhering to the dress code requirements. If your high school has a stringent dress code and you're worried you might look like "a nerd" or like "everybody else," you can still distinguish yourself from the crowd even while wearing a uniform by accessorizing, making small alterations, and looking for loopholes in the dress code.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Learning the Dress Code

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Get a copy of your school’s dress code and read it carefully. Make sure you fully understand the dress code, and ask an administrator for clarification if necessary. You don't want to buy something and then find out you can't wear it to school.
- You might also ask an administrator or teacher if there are any outdated or unenforced rules that you can ignore in the dress code guidelines.
2
Look for loopholes in the dress code. For example, your school’s dress code may say that it prohibits shoulders from being exposed, but doesn’t explicitly forbid tank tops. If this is the case, you could wear a cute tank top over a t-shirt. This way, your shoulders aren’t exposed and you can still wear the tank top.
- You may be required to wear shirts that have collars and sleeves. While that certainly limits you, it doesn’t say anything about pockets vs no pockets or button fronts vs polo shirts. In this example, if you don't like polo shirts, get button fronts.
- Your dress code might also require black or brown shoes, but make no mention of the laces. In this case, you could lace your shoes up with funky colorful laces that display your personality.
- Be sure to keep some extra approved clothing in your locker in case the administration asks you to change. You don’t want to have to go all the way home to get some new clothes.
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3
Organize your wardrobe according to dress code guidelines. It helps to go through your current wardrobe and organize your closet by what you are and aren't allowed to wear to school. This way, when you wake up in the morning, you don't have to shuffle through all the clothes you aren't allowed to wear in order to find what you need for school that day.
- Think about what you actually wear and what fits with the dress code. Keep the clothes that fit in both of these categories towards the front of your closet.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Creating Your Own Style

1
Play with color options. One way to add your own personal touch to your dress code wardrobe is to include unexpected color options. Try mixing and matching colors as you see fit, in accordance with your dress code.
- If your dress code requires a polo shirt, but doesn’t indicate a color – try wearing a bright yellow polo, a neon pink one, or any other color that expresses your style.
- As jackets are usually not heavily regulated by dress codes, try to get a brightly colored jacket for the winter months.
2
Choose items with interesting details. Try to stick to the dress code, but also expand on it, by choosing clothing items that have unique characteristics. Small details can still be noticeable and show a bit of added personality.
- Consider adding a cardigan with a ruffled front, a button up shirt with decorative buttons, or a tie with an interesting pattern.
3
Experiment with clothing cuts and fits. Dress codes often regulate what color and material clothing can be made out of (like jeans, slacks, polo shirts, etc.), but focus less on the fit or the cut of the clothing. Try choosing clothes that have interesting fitted features – like low-rise or high-rise pants, loose flowing sleeves, or interesting necklines on shirts.
- If your school requires black slacks, consider purchasing a pair with flared legs instead of the standard slim leg cut.
4
Create small variations in your uniform shirt style. There are a bunch of different ways to wear shirts. You can tuck them in or leave them untucked. You can pop the collar of a polo or dress shirt to add a bit of style.
- You can also try rolling up your sleeves – this works for either long-sleeve or short-sleeve shirts.
5
Pin-roll your pants. Pin-rolling is a way to shorten the pant legs and taper them into a more fitted style. This is a great method to use for showing off some cool shoes or simply making your pants look more chic. To pin-roll your pants, put them on normally and then grab the inner seam at the bottom of one leg and pinch it with your fingers. You should pinch enough fabric to make the pants quite snug against your skin – so you’ll grab more fabric with baggier pants and less fabric with tighter pants. Then fold the fabric back against your ankle so that it overlaps.^{[1]
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- While holding the overlapped fabric together, roll the jean up about an inch or two to make a cuff.
- You can leave it like this, or roll it one more time. Pinch and fold over the fabric before you roll the cuff a second time.
6
Wear funky socks. Many dress codes and uniforms require some kind of standardized shoes, but few mention regulations regarding the socks you wear. You can usually pair fun, colorful socks with your shoes, even if the shoes must be plain black or brown.^{[2]
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- Try bright neon colored socks, or socks with a fun pattern.
- Just make sure the socks don’t have anything offensive on them.
7
Get creative with your shoes. Shoes are often hard to define in dress codes, so you may be able to get away with some extra creativity on your feet. For example, some dress codes say that shoes have to be closed-toed. This doesn't mean sneakers or loafers only. If your school doesn't have any strict regulations on shoes, get something fashionable that stands out.^{[3]
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- If your school strictly requires brown/black shoes, then slowly add little things. Try a colorful shoelace, or try gluing little rhinestones on and see if you can get away with it.
8
Add layers to your dress code or uniform. Most dress codes require that you wear the uniform, but do not specify that you must only wear the uniform. That means, even if you have to wear uniform pants (or other uniform pieces), there's nothing prohibiting you from adding a little pop of color that peeks out from underneath.^{[4]
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- Try wearing colorful tights under your uniform skirt.
- You might also consider wearing colorful long-sleeved t-shirts under your uniform shirt for layering, keeping warm, and simply looking cute.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Adding Accessories to Spice Up Your School Uniform

1
Include expressive outerwear in your wardrobe. Especially in the winter, a colorful scarf can provide a cute and colorful addition to your uniform or dress code. Wear cute cardigans, or other cold weather clothing items, with some detailing that attracts attention.^{[5]
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Jordan Stolch
Image Consultant & Style Advisor
Expert Interview. 25 September 2020.}
- You can also sport unique jackets that express your sense of style in the colder months.
2
Switch it up with your belt. Dress code or no dress code, you can use accessories to express your individuality and style. Often belts have to be leather and the buckle size is restricted, but there may not be color guidelines or belt buckle type guidelines. Get bright colors or patterns that attract attention.^{[6]
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- Did your mom already buy you a drab brown belt? Glue glitter on the buckle or otherwise embellish it. If you can't add anything or don't want to, you can just use a black belt with a vintage buckle.
3
Accessorize with fun jewelry. If there aren't any jewelry restrictions in the dress code, you can wear bracelets, necklaces, earrings, or rings that stand out and make you feel special.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Jordan Stolch
Image Consultant & Style Advisor
Expert Interview. 25 September 2020.} Adding funky and bold jewelry will make you stand out without pushing the clothing guidelines. Then you can look really original.^{[8]
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- This is a great way to add a flare of individualism to a dress code without too much pushback from the administration.
- For guys, try wearing a cool chunky watch or a fun necklace.
- You might also consider adding interesting buttons or pins to your jackets or backpacks.
4
Get unique glasses frames. A great way to spice up your personal style is by wearing glasses that help you express your individual personality. Consider getting colorful frames, big boxy frames, uniquely shaped frames, or even frames with a pattern on them.
- This option is perfect for both boys and girls to add a little flair to their wardrobe.
5
Carry a stylish bag. You can always express your individualism and creativity through the bag you choose to carry. School dress codes rarely have restrictions placed on what kinds of backpacks and bags students can use. Choose one that expresses your personality and customize it however you want.
- If there are limits even for bags – you can always put pins and such onto it for decoration and flare.
6
Get creative with your hairstyle. Many dress codes provide few restrictions on hair. While you probably can’t dye your hair crazy colors, you can put bows or headbands of different bright colors, as well as pigtails, braids, or anything colorful or unique that the dress code doesn’t restrict.^{[9]
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- Your hair doesn't have to be boring! Look online for hair tutorials and ideas. Crazy styles can be fun, and there is rarely a rule that says you can't.

Community Q&A

Question

Where can I get ideas for hairstyles for school when I have a dress code?

Community Answer

Pinterest has some great ideas for hairstyles that are simple and do not take too much time.
Question

What if they prohibit all these things?

Community Answer

If you can’t be unique through apparel, then be unique through your personality!
Question

How can I dress like an individual at a school with a dress code if I am a tomboy and I like simple hairstyles and no accessories?

Charlie Pollock

Community Answer

You can still be yourself in a school with a dress code. For example: If your school only allows black shoes then you could wear black Converse/Vans, or if your school only allows black trousers you could wear black jeans - that's what I do. You could have a simple hairstyle, but maybe consider dyeing it if your parents are okay with it. You said you don't like accessories but you could try some less feminine accessories like a watch, a leather bracelet, etc.

Warnings

Some schools require you to purchase your uniform outfits from a certain company. Buy whichever colors you feel most confident in, and make sure you wear well-fitting sizes.

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